It was a massive weekend of sport for Aotearoa, with the All Blacks overpowering Australia in Sydney, Northland’s Taniwha making rugby history, Canterbury securing their place in the NPC final and the Kiwi Ferns opening their Rugby League World Cup campaign with a hard-fought victory over Fiji.
Radio Waatea sports commentator Ken Laban joins us to unpack the weekend’s biggest results, standout performances and the matches that have sports fans talking.
All Blacks Blitz Wallabies in Sydney
The All Blacks delivered a commanding performance against Australia, defeating the Wallabies 43–21 in Sydney to complete a 2–0 Bledisloe Cup series sweep.
New Zealand raced to a 36–7 halftime advantage, with Beauden Barrett and Josh Moorby scoring two tries each.
Peter Lakai, Rieko Ioane and Wallace Sititi also crossed the line as the All Blacks demonstrated their attacking firepower.
The victory was particularly notable because New Zealand finished the match with just 13 players, yet still managed to secure a convincing result.
The win extended New Zealand’s hold on the Bledisloe Cup to 24 consecutive years.
Northland Taniwha Make NPC History
Northland’s Taniwha produced one of the most memorable results in their provincial rugby history, defeating Otago 38–19 in Whangārei to reach their first-ever National Provincial Championship final.
The result marks a significant achievement for a province that has spent decades chasing a place in the championship decider.
Marcel Renata scored twice, while Rivez Reihana contributed 18 points in a performance that helped Northland secure their historic victory.
Heremaia Murray and Nathan Salmon also crossed for tries as the Taniwha delivered in front of their home supporters.
For Northland rugby and its passionate supporters across Te Tai Tokerau, the victory represents an extraordinary milestone.
Canterbury Secure Final Spot Against Taranaki
Canterbury completed the NPC final line-up with a 38–28 semifinal victory over Taranaki.
The result sets up a championship showdown between Canterbury, one of provincial rugby’s traditional powerhouses, and a Northland side chasing its first NPC title.
For Northland, the final represents an opportunity to complete a remarkable campaign.
For Canterbury, it is another chance to add to the province’s extensive rugby history.
Ken Laban will examine the strengths of both teams and what Northland must do to turn its historic finals appearance into a championship victory.
Kiwi Ferns Fight Back Against Fiji
The Kiwi Ferns opened their Women’s Rugby League World Cup campaign with a victory over Fiji, producing a strong late finish to secure the result.
The match provided an early test for New Zealand as the team began its pursuit of international success.
Fiji’s challenge also highlighted the growing strength and competitiveness of women’s rugby league across the Pacific.
The Kiwi Ferns will be looking to build on their opening performance as the tournament progresses.
Black Ferns Continue Their Strong Form
The Black Ferns also featured among the weekend’s major sporting stories following a dominant performance against France.
New Zealand’s women’s rugby side demonstrated its attacking quality as it continued its international campaign.
The performance adds to a busy period for women’s rugby, with leading international teams testing themselves against some of the strongest opposition in the game.
For the Black Ferns, maintaining consistency and developing depth will remain important as they look towards future international challenges.
From the Rugby Field to the Moana
Away from the major stadiums, New Zealand’s Black Foils were helping introduce a new generation of rangatahi to sailing.
Black Foils Co-CEO Blair Tuke joined master navigator Hoturoa Barclay-Kerr and Te Toki Voyaging Trust at Ōkahu Bay for a waka sailing initiative involving 60 rangatahi and their whānau.
The kaupapa aims to reconnect Māori and Pacific youth with their voyaging heritage while creating new pathways into sailing.
The initiative highlights how sport can support cultural identity, environmental awareness and opportunities for young people.
Ken Laban Joins Radio Waatea
With major rugby results, an historic NPC final approaching and international league and women’s rugby competitions underway, there is plenty for Ken Laban to analyse.
The discussion will focus on the All Blacks’ performance against Australia, Northland’s remarkable journey to the NPC final, Canterbury’s semifinal victory and the Kiwi Ferns’ World Cup campaign.
The biggest question for provincial rugby fans is whether Northland’s Taniwha can complete their fairytale season by claiming the NPC championship.
And with the All Blacks continuing their dominance over Australia, the conversation will also turn to what their latest performance reveals about the team’s development and prospects against other international opponents.
From Te Tai Tokerau to Sydney and the Rugby League World Cup, it has been another weekend packed with memorable moments for New Zealand sport.
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